OAK GROVE — What would a Sweet Potato Festival be without a Sweet Potato Cooking Contest? The North Louisiana Sweet Potato Festival’s annual cooking contest committee has released the rules and information on how you can be a part of this year’s big event presented by the AAA Safe Company.

The cooking contest will take place on Saturday, March 31 on the Downtown Courtyard located between The Drug Store and Jack’s Jewelry on Main Street in Oak Grove. Use of the Courtyard is courtesy of O.G. Downtown Development Inc.

This year’s contest will be judged in five categories including: Dessert, Casserole, Bread, Miscellaneous, and Commercial with prizes of $25 and $15 being awarded to first and second place divisions overall and a $50 cash prize awarded to the overall winner.

Each recipe must have at least one cup of sweet potatoes in the dish, fresh, frozen or canned, West Carroll preferred. Must be accompanied with the recipe typed or neatly written on an index card and must be turned in to the judging station at the courtyard no later than 10 a.m. on March 31. Judging will take place at 10:30 and the winners will be announced at noon from the stage of the courtyard.

It is asked that everyone planning to participate contact the cooking contest chairmen Dianne Sowell at 318-428-2926 or Ruth Horton at 428-7187 by March 21 so logistical plans can be made accordingly.

The cooking contest is just one part of the larger festival that includes Miller Spectacular Shows, Arts and Crafts Show, Classic Car Show, Antique Tractor Pull, Live Entertainment and a special appearance by Miss Louisiana.

The North Louisiana Sweet Potato Festival is a registered trademark of the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce with all proceeds from the event going toward chamber projects and future festivals. For more information contact Adam Holland, W.C. Chamber Director of Special events at 318-282-6938.